VDOT Names Rick Opett Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Management

The Virginia Department of Transportation has named Rick Opett the new Director of its Office of Safety, Security and Emergency Management (OSSEM). Commissioner Brich announced the selection on September 22. Opett starts at VDOT on September 25 and will report directly to the Commissioner.

In his new role, Opett will lead the OSSEM team. The office supports the Commonwealth's transportation system with a focus on keeping it safe, strategic and seamless.

Opett has more than 35 years of public safety experience, including over 20 years as a senior executive in government and the private sector. He comes to VDOT from New Kent County, where he was Fire Chief, Emergency Manager and Chief Fire Marshal. There he ran countywide public safety and emergency management operations, managed major capital projects, and led disaster response and recovery.

Earlier in his career, Opett held senior leadership roles in the private sector in Washington, D.C. He directed national safety, security, training and exercise programs for federal agencies, transportation organizations and critical infrastructure partners.

He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Gannon University and lives in New Kent with his family.

VTCA congratulates Rick on his appointment and looks forward to working with him and the OSSEM team.